KUALA LUMPUR: The Pardons Board should explain why former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s prison sentence was reduced to end all unhealthy speculation, says Selayang MP William Leong.

Leong said the public and many NGOs generally viewed Najib’s reduced sentence as a form of injustice.

“There has always been a case where, in the real world, justice must be tempered by mercy. Otherwise, living in a merciless and vengeful world is too harsh.

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“Therefore, the proposal for a statement by the Pardon’s Board on the amnesty granted to Najib is needed so that the public can comprehend the matter.

“It is important to understand that the pardon process is made based on the procedures enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” said Leong while debating the motion of thanks for the royal address in Parliament on Monday (March 4).

Leong said when the King is considering a pardon, the applicant’s contributions and deeds to the country must be considered.

“On conviction, an offender loses some rights, such as freedom of movement, but not all of his rights, such as being human.

“Conviction does not mean it was open to cruel punishment or to be debased or devalued as a human being. He does not lose his right to consider his pardon application,” added Leong.

Leong also echoed NGO Projek Sama's suggestion that a request should be made to the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the chairman of the Pardon’s Board to issue a statement explaining Najib’s reduced sentence.

On Feb 2, the Federal Territories Pardons Board halved Najib’s 12-year jail term to six years and reduced his fine from RM210mil to RM50mil.

Najib will be submitting a new application for a full royal pardon, and his defence team said they were waiting for the right time to submit the fresh application.